Biden Administration Designates Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
On March 8, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This designation lasts for 18 months, until September of 2022. By doing this DHS is recognizing the extraordinary but hopefully temporary situation for Venezuelan nationals currently residing in the U.S. DHS found that many factors prevent Venezuelan nationals from returning to Venezuela safely, such as a widespread humanitarian crisis, which has caused starvation, a growing number of non-state armed groups, repression, and a crumbling infrastructure.
The Secretary of DHS stated that, “The living conditions in Venezuela reveal a country in turmoil, unable to protect its own citizens.” In response to this crisis, DHS has designated Venezuela for TPS. If you are granted TPS, you are protected from removal for the period of your TPS and are eligible for employment authorization.
Are you eligible?
Venezuelan citizens residing in the U.S. are eligible for TPS if they meet the following requirements:
You must have continuously resided in the U.S. as of March 8, 2021;
You must file you application for TPS within the 180-day registration period;
You must establish that you are otherwise eligible for TPS. There are certain bars to eligibility which an attorney can discuss with you if you are interested in applying for TPS.
If you have questions about your eligibility for TPS, please contact us at www.fourcornerslaw.com or 503.446.3396.
